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SB 636

Transcranial magnetic stimulation; DBHDS to establish pilot program for veterans.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Christie Craig and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia directs its behavioral health agency to pilot transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for veterans with mental health conditions, pending budget approval and implementation details.

Left in Appropriations
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Bill Summary · SB 636

Legislative bill overview

SB 636 directs Virginia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to establish a pilot program providing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment to veterans. TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy primarily used to treat treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric conditions. The bill aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of offering this therapy to the veteran population through the state's behavioral health system.

Why this is important

Veterans experience higher rates of depression, PTSD, and suicide than the general population, and some do not respond adequately to traditional medications or psychotherapy. TMS offers a potential alternative treatment pathway for those with treatment-resistant conditions, potentially reducing suffering and improving outcomes. If successful, the pilot could inform broader mental health care approaches for veterans and establish a model for other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and appropriations: The bill was left in Appropriations Committee, suggesting funding requirements are unresolved; TMS equipment and training represent significant upfront costs with unclear budget allocation
  • Evidence base limitations: While TMS has FDA approval for certain conditions, clinical evidence remains mixed on long-term effectiveness, and outcomes in veteran-specific populations need further study
  • Access and equity: The pilot's scope is unclear—how many veterans would be served, which facilities would participate, and whether geographic disparities in access would be addressed
  • Alternative treatments: Critics may question whether resources would be better spent expanding traditional mental health services, medication access, or psychotherapy that have longer evidence histories

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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